Interview and Giveaway with Jillian Stone

United By Books is very pleased to have Jillian Stone on the blog today so we can learn a bit more about her and her amazing books...... 

 

1 ~ First share with us a little about yourself?

I think I have always been a storyteller, at heart. At one time, I thought my career trajectory would land me in film, but I am very happy with the turn it has taken into fiction writing. I was an art director in advertising before I decided to try writing novels, which I guess makes me a very visual writer! An Affair with Mr. Kennedy was my second complete manuscript and I was fortunate in 2010 to win the RWA Golden Heart for An Affair with Mr. Kennedy, plus I met my agent, Richard Curtis, at the RWA Nationals in Orlando. 

2 ~ Please tell us a little about your newest release?

I’m excited to share my latest release from The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis is a fast paced road trip adventure, with the hero and heroine on the run from Edinburgh to London by train, velocipede, landship and submersible!

Here’s the blurb:

WHEN FANNY Greyville-Nugent's father suffers a gruesome death in the clutches of his own machine, mourning his loss is not the beautiful heiress's only heartbreak. Scotland Yard is convinced he was targeted in a plot to halt the rise of industry, and Fanny's former fiancé, dashing and dubious detective Raphael "Rafe" Lewis, has been assigned to the case.

For the estranged ex-lovers, bringing the notorious assassins to justice proves as tumultuous as quelling pent-up desires. Fighting peril and passion at every turn of a dangerous journey from Edinburgh to London, they are pursued by an anarchist group hell-bent on destroying her father's mysterious entry into the London Industrial Exposition.

When an astonishing discovery about the couple's failed engagement surfaces, the sleuthing duo realize they can trust no one. Rafe confesses new details about his infidelity and Fanny risks all to avenge her father's murder. But will Rafe and Fanny triumph over the pain of their past? 

3 ~ What's in store next for your readers or can you share anything about your current WIP?

I am currently working on synopses for three new Gentlemen of Scotland Yard novels. However, there is another novel in the series due to be released the end of November.

AGENT PHINEAS GUNN is an undercover operative for two of Britain's most sensitive intelligence organizations. Now, the cunning, reclusive agent is asked to take on an unusual burglary case. A rare, stolen jewel has been found on a dead anarchist fished out of the Thames. What intrigues Finn most about the case is a woman from his past, a Miss Catriona de Dovia Willoughby, ballerina and suspected anarchist sympathizer.

Much to Finn's utter disdain and amazement, he finds his attraction to the devilish, impertinent beauty stronger than ever. When he is subsequently robbed by the clever cat burglar he pursues the menacing jewel thief from ballroom to musicale.

Cate Willoughby knows she must stay sharp and move fast if she is to evade Mr. Gunn and recover the jewels that are rightfully hers. When Finn catches her red handed, their steamy encounter makes her realize their attraction is far from over. She suggests an alliance with the intrepid detective, but before they can recover the gems she betrays Finn and disappears.

Believing Cate is secretly in league with the Spanish anarchists, Finn gives chase by land, sea and airship. Once he catches her, what they discover about each other opens deep wounds and carefully kept secrets, but might these strange and startling revelations ultimately bring Cate and Finn closer together? 

4 ~ How do you describe your writing style?

I’m definitely not a writer’s writer––I’m more of a reader’s writer. I don’t like to write a lot of narrative. I do love dialogue though, and lots of action and plot. Each Gentlemen of Scotland Yard novel has a love story and a suspense/mystery plot, so it’s a twofer! 

5~ Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Deadlines and speed. There are quite a few romance writers who can write four or five books a year. I’m a three book a year writer and that’s a push! 

6~ Please tell the Readers in two sentences why they should check out you’re the Gentlemen of Scotland series.

 Gas lit streets of London, brilliant dashing detectives, smart and sassy heroines, suspenseful adventure plots...

7~ How would you describe yourself in three words?

Mother. Storyteller. Friend.

8~ What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Visit with friends, travel, watch a good movie.

9~ Who would you pick between Thor, Ironman , and Captain America?

 If Robert Downey, Jr. is a part of the package, I choose Ironman.

10~ What would you do for a Klondike bar ?

Oh they’re yummy all right, but right now I’m feeling like a Skinny Caramel Frappuccino.

11 ~ What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Just write, write, write. And write what you love.

12~ What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I love zombies horror stories: books, movies, TV––The Walking Dead!

13~ How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

Lots of hooting and hollering and happy dancing. My family took me out to dinner to celebrate. There were also several informal parties with friends. it was a very exciting time. Worth all the hard work!

14 ~ Is there anything special you would like to say to your readers while we have you here today?

I have a question for readers who enjoy romance laced with a bit of adventure. Name your favorite romantic suspense story from novels, movies or TV. I have a signed advance copy of A ​DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS for one lucky commenter chosen at random. 

                           ********GIVEAWAY********

Jillian has generously offered up to one lucky winner a copy of A Dangerous Liaison With Detective Lewis. Just fill out the rafflecopter below and leave a comment answering her question above to be entered. ( US only )

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